Shingles & The NHS Pharmacy First Service
The Pharmacy First service allows community pharmacists in England to assess and treat common conditions – specifically shingles – without the need for a GP appointment. This service offers a faster, more accessible route to expert care, helping to reduce the severity and duration of the infection through early intervention.
Who is this service for?
The specific clinical pathway for treating shingles under Pharmacy First is designed for adults.
Eligibility: Adults aged 18 years and over.
Condition: Suspected shingles (herpes zoster), typically presenting as a painful rash on one side of the body.
Recognising the symptoms
Early signs often appear before the rash. A pharmacist can help if you experience:
Initial Sensation
A tingling, itching, or burning feeling in a specific area of skin.
The rash
Red blotches that develop into fluid-filled blisters, usually appearing in a band or strip on only one side of the body (e.g., chest or tummy).
Pain
The area is often sensitive to touch and can range from mild discomfort to intense, stabbing pain.
Other signs
Feeling generally unwell, with a headache, fatigue, or a high temperature.
How the service works
You can visit us at Saood Pharmacy with or without a GP referral.
Access: Please call us on 01189572687 or visit the form at the bottom of the page to check eligibility and book an appointment.
Consultation: You will have a private consultation with a highly trained pharmacist which includes taking a patient history.
Assessment: The pharmacist will examine the rash and review your symptoms. To be most effective, antivirals should ideally be started within 72 hours of the rash appearing.
Treatment options
If the pharmacist confirms shingles and you meet the clinical criteria, they can provide:
Antiviral Medication: Oral tablets to help speed up recovery and reduce the risk of long-term nerve pain.
Pain Management: Recommendations for over-the-counter painkillers like
paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Self-Care Advice: Guidance on keeping the rash clean and dry, wearing loose clothing, and using cool compresses.
Note: If medication is prescribed, standard NHS prescription charges apply (unless
the patient is exempt). Any over-the-counter medicines recommended will be sold at
the usual retail price.
Why visit Saood Pharmacy to treat shingles?
Convenience
Central town centre location with no need for a GP appointment.
Speed
Early treatment (ideally within 3 days) is vital for the effectiveness of antivirals.
Expertise
Our pharmacy teams provide expert clinical assessment and guidance on managing symptoms and preventing the spread of the virus to others.
Advice and treatment for other common conditions in Saood pharmacy Reading
The Pharmacy First Clinical Pathways Service is an NHS service designed to offer
free advice and treatments to eligible patients for seven common conditions
including shingles. Patients can access this service at Saood Pharmacy in Central Reading. The additional six conditions covered by this service are:
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Earache
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Impetigo
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Infected Insect Bites
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Sinusitis
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Sore Throat
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Uncomplicated UTI
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Book an appointment
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